Orthotics are an important tool for your feet, which correct many problems both structurally and mechanically. They are able to do this because they ultimately realign your feet to a more usual or “neutral” position. On a daily basis many people suffer from foot pain, flat feet, excessive pronation, bowlegs, knock knees, pigeon-toes, duck feet, and high-arched feet. Orthotics can help these issues by restoring balance and eliminating or reducing foot, back, and leg pain. They improve function and efficiency, and can make you feel like a new person while on your feet.
Orthotics are custom-made inserts that fit inside the shoe. They are developed from a mold made of your specific foot and made to fix your exact walking pattern or structural issue. We offer several styles, which can be worn comfortably in most types of shoes.
Foot and ankle pain will affect most Americans at some point in their life. In fact, a recent American Podiatric Medical Association poll discovered that half of all working Americans have missed at least one day of work due to a foot problem. When you consider how much time is spent on your feet, the stress put on them, and the complex nature of them, this should really be no surprise.
The human foot is a marvelously complicated and efficient machine. It is comprised of over 100 working parts, including as many as 28 bones working in conjunction with ligaments, tendons and muscles. These parts work to support and balance our entire body. In the course of normal walking our feet bear up to one and a half times our body weight per foot. This pressure is enormous, and with the average foot traveling 1,000 miles a year there are many foot and ankle injuries.
The feet act as shock absorbers for the entire body. In the course of a one-hour strenuous workout they will cushion nearly one million pounds of pressure. As a result, many people feel the pain of this stress, usually caused by foot imbalance. This pain shouldn’t be ignored, as it is not a normal result of foot function.
Orthotics are one of the most common ways to treat the majority of foot problems. They come in many forms and functions depending on your foot problem or injury. The most common foot orthotics are arch supports, cushion insoles, and more specific orthotics such as cushions for the heel or ball of the foot.
Regardless of the type or model, the goal of these orthotic inserts is to help keep the feet in proper balance by offering support and aiding in shock absorption. They also help to improve the biomechanical function of the foot, as well as the other joints of the lower body including the knees, hips and lower back.
The importance of proper foot function cannot be over stressed. When the foot fails, not only is there increased strain, and ultimately pain to the joints in the foot, but also in the ankle, knee and hip. These imbalances can lead to many other painful conditions but spur from the feet.
To help take the stress off of your overworked feet and to help avoid painful knee and hip conditions you should speak to a podiatrist or visit an online store to inquire about orthotics and inserts. There are many podiatrist recommended orthotics in the form of arch supports, insole cushions, gel insoles, gel cushions, arthritic and diabetic insoles. They can tremendously help your walking pattern, foot pain, or structural issues. Don’t make your feet suffer any longer. Start protecting them so they can continue to serve you well for many years to come.